Zinnia

On Friday, I went to Adam’s to buy flowers for the front yard which I have neglected all summer. Normally by this time, we have annuals blooming at their peak including geraniums, marigolds and petunias. But with so much going on, the front yard has become overgrown with weeds. Directly aside the porch, the grass has even grown in where once had been a flowerbed.

So in prep for the house party, I wanted to add a little color to the yard. Knowing that I wouldn’t have time to nurture the garden this summer, I decided to seek one or two perennials which are more robust and need little maintenance. (I don't know much about plants, so I can't tell you if this is true or not). I also wanted a colorful plant to compliment the existing lilies and hosta which continue to bloom beneath the weeds. (so hardy are they!)

I found two red zinnias plants. The color struck me as both dramatic and whimsical – a hard combination that works together. It’s similar to how I feel when I see a Sunflower or Black-eyed Susan. However, the girl at Adam’s couldn’t tell me if the Zinnias were an annual or perennial. As I mentioned, I was hoping to get a perennial, but despite this uncertainly, I took the Zinnia’s home.

Upon a wikipedia reference, turns out that Zinnias come in both varieties. I guess we’ll have to wait until next year to see if they bloom again. In the meantime, I hope to enjoy them this season.

Well, this reminds me of a poem I wrote a few years ago. Previously its title was “Yellow Jade”, but I think I’ll change its title to "Zinnia".

zinnia

and then there were seeds, a perennial and
then there were moments repeated in
the soil. and then there was a stone that
remained underground.

thoughts pace like roots, a persona tangled in the garden.